In short: Arrapetta Tea Estate is a black tea producer in Meppadi, India, operated by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., which manages six other estates recorded in this directory.
Arrapetta Tea Estate is a black tea producer located in Meppadi, in the Wayanad district of Kerala, India. The estate sits at an elevation of 867 metres and is operated by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., a long-established plantation management company with a significant presence in South India. The estate is certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Terroir & Climate
At 867 metres above sea level, Arrapetta occupies a mid-elevation band in the Western Ghats, where estates typically experience a warm tropical climate moderated by altitude and monsoonal rainfall patterns. This elevation generally allows for year-round production, though the intensity of the monsoon and the cooler, drier winter months tend to influence flush character and leaf development. The Meppadi area typically receives substantial precipitation, which can encourage vigorous growth during the wet season.
Estates at this latitude and altitude in the Western Ghats often benefit from relatively stable temperatures and high humidity, conditions that generally favour the production of robust, full-bodied teas. The laterite soils common to the region tend to provide good drainage, while the surrounding forest cover and biodiversity corridors typical of Wayanad may contribute to a distinct terroir, though the specific soil composition and microclimate of individual estates will vary.
Tea Produced
Arrapetta produces black tea. Estates in the Wayanad plateau at similar elevations typically yield teas with a strong, malty character and good body, often with brisk astringency and a coppery infusion. Mid-elevation South Indian black teas from this region are generally valued for blending and for markets that favour full-flavoured, robust cups, though individual garden character will depend on processing choices, plucking standards, and seasonal variation.
Operator
Harrisons Malayalam Ltd. is a prominent plantation management company in South India, with a portfolio spanning tea, coffee, and rubber. The company operates seven estates recorded in this directory, including Arrapetta, reflecting its significant operational footprint in Kerala's plantation belt. Harrisons Malayalam is part of the wider Harrisons group, which has managed estates in India since the colonial era and continues to be a major player in the South Indian tea sector.
Certifications & Ethics
Arrapetta is certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative that works to improve social, environmental, and economic conditions on tea estates. Membership requires estates to undergo regular independent audits against the ETP code, which covers labour rights, occupational health and safety, and environmental stewardship. For buyers, ETP certification offers a degree of assurance regarding working conditions and responsible production practices, though it is a process-based standard rather than a guarantee of specific outcomes.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Arrapetta Tea Estate lies at 11.5550, 76.1349 in Meppadi, India. Its 867 m elevation is the 77th highest of 250 estates we map in India. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Achoor Tea Estate — 14 km away · Via Pozhuthana
- Wentworth Tea Estate — 16 km away · Cherambadi
- Carolyn Estate — 17 km away · Nilgiris-Wayanad. Tamil Nadu
- Cherakara Tea Estate — 38 km away · Thalappuzha Police Station Rd
- Manjushree Tea Estate — 41 km away · O Valley
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Arrapetta Tea Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Arrapetta Tea Estate (867 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Arrapetta Tea Estate recorded 2,919 mm in 2025, 37% more than the 2,133 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fengxiangyuan Tea Industry Co., Ltd. | Guizhou Province, China | 868 m | 1,589 mm | 20.4 °C |
| Sepoydhoorah | West Bengal, India | 866 m | 2,805 mm | 23.4 °C |
| Glenloch | Central Province, Sri Lanka | 866 m | 2,525 mm | 25.7 °C |
| Balangoda Plantations, Telebedde | Uva Province, Sri Lanka | 868 m | 2,709 mm | 26.2 °C |
| Stanes Amalgamated | Bengaluru, India | 862 m | 1,035 mm | 28.7 °C |
Arrapetta Tea Estate Compared with India
In India, Arrapetta Tea Estate is wetter than 62% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 69% of the others by elevation; cooler than 68% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Arrapetta Tea Estate against the 249 other estates we map in India, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Arrapetta Tea Estate | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 867 m | 126 m | 6 to 2,299 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 2,919 mm | 2,778 mm | 745 to 4,774 mm |
| Mean daily high | 26.0 °C | 28.3 °C | 16.9 to 34.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 17.8 °C | 19.3 °C | 9.3 to 24.2 °C |
Observed Climate at Arrapetta Tea Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Arrapetta Tea Estate’s coordinates recorded 2,919 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was May (623 mm) and the driest was February (0 mm). Daytime highs averaged 26.0 °C and overnight lows 17.8 °C over the year; March was the warmest month and December the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 2,919 mm |
| Wettest month | May (623 mm) |
| Driest month | February (0 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 26.0 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 17.8 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Arrapetta Tea Estate located?
Arrapetta Tea Estate is in Meppadi, India, at coordinates 11.5550, 76.1349, at an elevation of about 867 metres.
Who operates Arrapetta Tea Estate?
Arrapetta Tea Estate is operated by Harrisons Malayalam Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Arrapetta Tea Estate produce?
Arrapetta Tea Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does Arrapetta Tea Estate hold?
Arrapetta Tea Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Arrapetta Tea Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 2,919 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in May (623 mm).
How does Arrapetta Tea Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Arrapetta Tea Estate recorded 2,919 mm in 2025, 37% more rain than the 2,133 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
